FITCC Members 2024 (left to right):
Christine McMaster, Mark Linfield, Patricia Jordan, Marie Nolan, Liz Loudon, Flora McKee, Brian Murphy,
Paul Neil.Not pictured: Gillian Stansfield, Alex MacLeod.
Community Council Members
Some members have provided a short statement about their role
Mark Linfield (Chair)
Why I became a Community Councillor
Having lived in the Fort William area for my entire adult life, I have a love for the area and want others to love living here too. When Upper Achintore primary school closed, Highland Council decided to shut the community’s Astro pitch at the same time; I decided that moaning on Social media, regarding decisions such as this, was not achieving anything. I became involved in seeking to improve the Upper Achintore area, where I live, which then led to me becoming a Community Councillor since 2019. Whilst we cannot, as a Community Council, have an influence on everything, I feel it is worthwhile getting the views of residents to those people making decisions that can affect us all as often as possible.
Sub-groups
FW2040
Linnhe Community Alliance
Upper Achintore Regeneration Group
Patricia Jordan (Correspondence Secretary)
Why I became a Community Councillor
I was elected to Fort William Community Council in1990 – recruited by Mary Bruce a stalwart community activist and was immediately involved in collating of photographs and written material for ‘Fort William Memories’. A hugely successful book which sold all around the world and was followed up by ‘More Fort William Memories’. The proceeds of both books was distributed to local charities.
My fellow Community Councillors at that time were – Chairman Donald (Skeegan) Cameron, Roddie Welsh, John Steel, Neil Clark, Nigel Chisholm, Archie Lowes, Tommy Disher, Mary Bruce, George MacFarlane, Lily Thomas, David Anderson. Well known folk and all great community activists. An interesting time and experience as this was the period the An Aird development was being drawn up.
Nostalgia for the past ‘Things are not what they used to be’, was a phrase you heard regularly on the High Street at that time. A rapidly changing town and countryside brought about concerns within the community about the future and possible loss of heritage and culture. You still hear that phrase regularly today along with. ‘Somebody should do something about it’
Over the years there have been changes for the better and the worse within the town and unfortunately for CCs also. There is not quite the same recognition of CCs by Local Authorities as there once was, but I have remained on what is now FITCC because I feel that CCs play an
important role in local democracy, listening to the voice of residents and bringing their issues to Highland Councillors and Highland Council to take on board.
I was born and brought up in Fort William; Generations of my family are from around Lochaber – my grandfather, father and brother ran a business in the High Street. My brother was on CC before me - my family, grandchildren and extended family are living in the area so it is really important to me to know what affects the community, why decisions are being made for our future and to speak to folk to find out how they feel about what is happening and I prefer to do this as a volunteer on CC.
Over the years I have deliberated about continuing but due to whatever issue or campaign was at hand at the time I made the decision - not to give up this year – go another 4 years – and another 4 years - and over the last 20 odd years my continuation has mostly been as a result of, initially concerns for the future of the A&E service in Belford Hospital and CCs part in the hugely successful campaign that followed and more recently, I represent FITCC on the NHS Highland Stakeholders Group for the New Belford Build so I have decided to carry on until the hospital is built!!
Sub Groups
NHSH New Belford Lochaber Community Services Redesign
Upper Achintore Regeneration Group
Christine McMaster (Treasurer)
Why I became a Community Councillor
I was born and brought up in Fort William and have always felt a strong connection to our community. After returning to work locally ten years ago, I saw first-hand both the strengths of our area and the challenges local residents face.
I joined the Community Council because I believe local people should have a real voice in the decisions that affect their everyday lives. As a community councillor, I am committed to listening, representing residents’ concerns, and working collaboratively to help make our area an even better place to live
Paul Neil (Minute Secretary)
Why I became a Community Councillor
With a strong commitment to justice, fairness, and equality, particularly concerning people's rights and wellbeing, I embraced the chance to become a community councillor. This role allows me to advocate for justice and equality in my community. Since moving to Fort William in 2021, I've recognized the need for support and representation for residents, particularly on issues that matter to them. I am dedicated to this cause and will continue my efforts throughout my term as a community councillor.
Sub Groups
Claggan Residents Association,
Lochaber Area Place Plan
Factoring Working Group
Lochaber District Planning Group
Brian Murphy
Why I became a Community Councillor
Born and brought up in Inverlochy, I attended Inverlochy Primary School and subsequently Fort William Senior Secondary and Lochaber High School.
I was a member of Inverlochy and Torlundy Community Council for 15 years,represented Inverlochy on Lochaber District Council for eight years (1984 – 1992) and a member of Highland Council from 1999 to 2017.
I’m very unhappy about the way in which local government has been starved of resources owing to the 16 years of austerity experienced since 2010.
Any civilised country requires decent services, and it makes me very sad to see the continuing decline in every part of the public sector. That’s why I decided to put my name forward for the community council in order to try, even in a small way, to make some difference.
Sub Groups
FW2040 Transport Sub-Group
FW Active Travel Group,
LAMP
Inverlochy Community Association
Marie Nolan
Why I became a Community Councillor
I have lived in Lochaber all my life. I became interested in local issues several years ago. I became involved with the community council a couple of years ago through factoring issues and joined last year as a member. The people of Lochaber need a voice and support and I believe that the community council is the best way to achieve this. Also as a Community Councillor we can contribute positively towards the community.
Sub group
Factoring Working Group
Flora Mckee
Why I became a Community Councillor
Having lived in the area all my life, I care deeply about our community and the people in it. For more than 25 years, I worked alongside local groups and public services, helping bring people together and support projects that make a real difference.
I became a Community Councillor because I want to continue building strong relationships across the area and make sure residents’ views are reflected in local decisions. I am committed to practical, partnership-based work that helps our community thrive.
Liz Loudon
Community Councillor
Sub Groups
Plantation Community Association
Alex Macleod
Community Councillor
Gillian Stansfield
Community Councillor